By: Ernie Buck, British Cycling Cycle Training
Effective Traffic Riding Home | Part 1 - Primary and Secondary Positions | Part 2 - Filtering in Traffic | Part 3 Roundabouts
Download: Effective Traffic Riding eBooklet (2MB PDF)
Roundabouts and Complex Gyratories
Following the techniques from part one and part two; thinking like a driver should allow a cyclist to negotiate these road layouts without too much trouble. It probably goes without saying that one should take the lane appropriate to one’s intended exit, just like a driver. Again, how early this is done will depend on one’s own speed as well as the volume and speed of the traffic. If traffic is backed up on the approach, filtering as above applies too. However, slightly different considerations need to be taken on reaching the roundabout and whilst actually on it.
Although occasionally unavoidable, the secret to smooth negotiation of roundabouts is to do it without stopping. On the approach, a cyclist’s superior all round vision should enable her/him to anticipate the speed of traffic already on the roundabout coming from the right and adjust their own speed in order to slot into gaps in the flow. The rider’s superior acceleration over short distances allows them to do this, where a driver could not, and is perfectly acceptable if done without causing another vehicle to have to change speed or direction.
Although frowned upon in some quarters, a useful technique on multi-lane approaches is to use a vehicle to one’s right as a ‘shield’ when entering the roundabout. This can be particularly effective where high volumes of fast moving traffic is on the roundabout to the right and the rider is able to move out alongside a slower moving vehicle that ‘pushes’ its way into the flow.
Once on the roundabout, the idea is to keep command of the appropriate lane, whilst influencing by eye contact and negotiation, drivers in adjacent lanes, thus preparing the way for any lane changes required for a smooth exit. The Highway Code is ambiguous on this and seems to recommend riding around the outside of a roundabout. This is definitely at odds with good practice, as it puts the cyclist at the mouth of each intermediate entry and exit point. The rider should endeavour to stay in the flow of traffic which is going the same way, making their intentions clear to drivers around them all the time, and holding the lane until clear of the roundabout, only reverting to secondary riding position when it’s safe to be overtaken.
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